Keecha Harris and Associates, Inc.

Words matter. "We never should have done that in the first place." These words would go a long way in acknowledging the long history of racial oppression that enabled the vast accumulation of wealth in this country. These words would signify the need to reconcile, repair, and chart a new course. Instead, we often hear, "that was a long time ago." Racial oppression is not a "thing of the past" -- it was one of the defining factors of the 2024 presidential election. How are you using your words to chart a new course? Listen to Dr. Sherece West's episode here ?? https://ow.ly/MYTW50TsLwx

“Whenever KHA reaches out to me for research and evaluation consulting support, I’ve always said yes because every single person is fully committed to the work and puts their hearts into every project. The projects are also equity-focused with a lens on race, which aligns with my own values. Keecha Harris, DrPH, RD is such a strong relationship builder. She is able to forge connections with people at both the grasstops and the grassroots to influence change and advocate on behalf of marginalized communities and Black communities in particular, in a way that I haven't seen at other firms. KHA sits at an interesting nexus point because they have the ear (and trust) of the funder as well as the "fundee" which allows them to push for change in a more effective way.” Blanca Flor Guillen-Woods is a research and evaluation consultant at Keecha Harris and Associates. Learn more about her work at: https://lnkd.in/egRPzCgE #Evaluation #Equity #ChangeManagement #Research

Embracing racial equity is not just a moral imperative — it’s also a strategic advantage that builds the most successful companies. Chapter 5 of our book "Hear Us Now: Racial Equity in the Workplace" includes lessons from 13 social impact leaders on how their identities have shaped the ways they lead in the workplace to better support the full humanity of those around them. Learn more in this article. #Humanity #RacialEquity #StrategicAdvantage #WorkplaceCulture

Until we intimately understand our history, we won’t be able to build a healthy, visionary future for all. Erika Seth Davies is transforming the intersectional dynamics of capitalism, misogyny, and racism. She and her colleagues shift capital and improve the material conditions of Black communities, especially around issues of sexual, reproductive, and maternal health. We're resharing her episode of The R.A.C.E. Podcast, as she shares a lesson on how systemic racism has shaped our reality. As we work towards securing reproductive health, rights, and justice, we must center the lived experiences of those closest to the issue(s). That means recognizing the long and painful history of policing the reproductive lives and autonomy of Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous people as well as the ongoing resistance of those same communities. Everyone has a role in developing the scaffolding and support for the RJ movement. Let’s continue to honor our ancestors’ resistance and resilience. What's your role? Listen in to the full episode at: https://lnkd.in/eecuabak This post is part of a series to advance a more holistic narrative about RJ during this critical season. Follow along at #PastPresentFutureofRJ #RacialEquity #ImpactInvesting #ReproductiveJustice

Although racial equity work has gained momentum, particularly in 2020, the current rhetoric about communities of color is alarming, dangerous, and will seriously impact our country's infrastructure. How do we combat these false narratives? Truth-telling. Individuals - people of color - are not to blame for systemic failures. Broken systems are responsible. Listen to Dr. West's full episode here ?? https://ow.ly/MYTW50TsLwx

“Instead of focusing on gaps or conducting research ???? the community, I was able to conduct research ???????? the community I was from, as a partner. In fact, I worked with Katrina Bledsoe and Felicia Gonzales, to develop a tool for evaluators, community partners, and funders to reconsider how their evaluation work can be culturally responsive and equity-focused to support others in the field. This was the perfect spot for me: I was able to blend my love for research and working with people on systems change. Charmaine Mercer, Chief of Equity and Culture at William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, connected me to Keecha Harris, DrPH, RD when she was looking for someone to help with data analysis for KHA’s various systems change projects. I’m fortunate to now have been a part of many KHA initiatives; some of my favorite projects include our work with Race, Healing, and Joy to center Black leadership in the Reproductive Justice ecosystem, Oceankind and Race to the Board to push for equity in the environmental ecosystem, and Tara Health Foundation on its spend down strategy on efforts at the intersection of race and gender.” Blanca Flor Guillen-Woods is a research and evaluation consultant at Keecha Harris and Associates. Learn more about her work and approach at: https://lnkd.in/egRPzCgE #Research #Evaluation #Philanthropy #ChangeManagement?

Introducing Dr. Sherece West, President and Chief Executive Offcer of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. Sherece's expertise lies in analyzing the critical role of policy in perpetuating systemic racism and its enduring impact on economic equity. With nuanced insights into the structural underpinnings of racial disparities, especially within the realm of wealth generation and philanthropy, she is a pivotal voice in the ongoing discourse on racial equity and systemic reform. Listen to Dr. West's episode here ?? https://ow.ly/MYTW50TsLwx

When you’re leading system-wide change processes that center racial equity, having a trusted circle makes all the difference. These relationships help you manage challenges and stay resilient along the way. Chapter 4 of our book "Hear Us Now: Racial Equity in the Workplace" contains helpful gems on the power of intentionally building your inner circle. Social impact leaders share the importance of assessing your privileges, share tips on finding sponsors in the workplace, and leaning on white allies when doing racial equity work. Learn more in this article. #InnerCircle #Community #PersonalBoard #RacialEquity #RaceAtWork

Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D.'s renowned book ?????????????? ?????????????? shares the stories of Black enslaved women who were forced to undergo experimental gynecological surgeries in the 19th century. She is filling in the gaps of what has been omitted from U.S. history. She is restoring the humanity of these women. And by sharing these stories, she’s making a huge impact on the lives of Black women and systems of care in present times. We're resharing her episode of The R.A.C.E. Podcast, as she explains what Reproductive Justice (RJ) means to her. As we work towards securing reproductive health, rights, and justice, we must center the lived experiences of those closest to the issue(s). That means recognizing the long and painful history of policing the reproductive lives and autonomy of Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous people as well as the ongoing resistance of those same communities. Listen in to the full episode at: https://lnkd.in/eDKMwG8d This post is part of a series to advance a more holistic narrative about RJ during this critical season. Follow along at #PastPresentFutureofRJ #BlackWomen #History #RacialEquity

When organizations first embark on their racial equity journeys, they commonly ask mainstream search firms, "where are all the leaders of color?" When personal networks and resumes are prioritized over values, culture, and fit, newly hired executives are set up to fail and leave within months. Ify Walker, CEO of Offor, an executive search firm, connects the dots between racial equity and executive searches, granting us an inside look into "The Offor Method", which has cultivated a network of more than 20,000 leaders. Listen to Ify's episode here ?? https://ow.ly/MYTW50TsLwx